Black bin bags could be collected once every three weeks throughout Blaenau Gwent.

Along with that, “kerbside sort” recycling – where recyclables have to be separated rather than mixed – could be introduced.

Currently, black bin bag waste is collected once every two weeks and recycling and food collection on a weekly basis.

But this potential change comes as the council seeks to make their waste service more sustainable and hit recycling rate targets, according to a council committee report.

Failure to meet targets on recycling could see the council fined by the Welsh Government.

The authority is required to move towards kerbside sort collections and by 2015/16, must hit a recycling rate of 58 per cent. By 2024/25, that figure will be 70 per cent.

Three options regarding the changes to waste services were discussed by councillors at a committee meeting.

Option one would see black bins collected every two weeks, option two would see black bins collected every three weeks, and option three, every four weeks. Each one includes a weekly kerbside sort.

It is hope Option two – the preferred option – would increase recycling rates by up to 10 per cent.

As part of proposals, lots of cash could be splashed out on a new fleet of 12 kerbside sort vehicles, costing a minimum £1.044m, five refuse collection vehicles of various sizes, costing a minimum £620,000 and a massive 35,000 recycling containers, costing a minimum £1.050m.

Total costs for changing the service to the preferred option could reach a maximum spend of about £4.3m.

The Welsh Government has awarded the council a £2m grant in principle, but this is subject to the council agreeing a business plan.

The rest of funding would come from borrowing.

According to the council, the potential change to a three-weekly collection of black bin bags wouldn’t have a negative affect on the community.

A spokeswoman from Blaenau Gwent Council said: “Residents will be encouraged to think about their recycling and look beyond just their kitchen to recycle materials.

"There are improvements to be made in how we recycle in general.

“The authority will provide support in how residents can increase their recycling on a weekly basis, which will result in less household refuse in the 240 litre bins.”

Materials classed as “smelly” will continue to be picked up on a weekly basis.

The spokeswoman added: “If residents and the community are encouraged to recycle and those who do recycle to increase their participation, non-recyclable waste collection is minimal, therefore the majority of your household waste is removed weekly.”

By April 2016, the new service could generate a potential income of £150,000 and £250,000 annually from the sale of recyclable materials and efficiencies in the service.

A report will be presented to the next council executive meeting to consider taking option two further. Subject to agreement, new changes will start to be brought in from spring or autumn 2015.